Pokhara, declared Nepal's tourism capital, offers a compelling blend of tranquil natural beauty and thrilling adventure. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Annapurna mountain range, including the iconic Machhapuchhre, it is a prime destination for both relaxation and outdoor pursuits.
The Lakeside area serves as the primary hub for socializing, bustling with hostels, guesthouses, cafes, bars, and restaurants, fostering a laid-back and vibrant atmosphere where travelers frequently connect. The Old Bazaar also provides a more local setting for interaction.
Top 7 Things to do in Pokhara
Pokhara offers a diverse range of experiences, from serene lake activities and cultural explorations to thrilling adventure sports and spectacular mountain viewpoints.
1. Boating on Phewa Lake
Embarking on a boat ride across Phewa Lake allows for a tranquil escape, offering stunning reflections of the Annapurna mountain range, including the iconic Machhapuchhre, on its calm waters. Paddling a colorful wooden 'doonga' yourself provides a serene, private experience, or a boatman can be hired to navigate. A short trip to the Tal Barahi Temple, situated on an island in the middle of the lake, provides a unique cultural interlude.
Cost: Self-paddled boat: Approximately NPR 450-500 per hour. With a boatman: Approximately NPR 500-900 per hour. A life jacket typically costs an additional NPR 10.
Transport: Phewa Lake is located centrally in Pokhara's Lakeside area, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. Boats can be rented from Varahi Ghat and Phewa Ghat.
2. Visit the World Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa)
Perched on Anadu Hill, the World Peace Pagoda is a symbol of peace and offers unparalleled panoramic views of Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, and the majestic Himalayan peaks. The tranquil atmosphere at the stupa is ideal for quiet contemplation and enjoying the sweeping vistas. Climbing the stairs to the pagoda, one experiences a sense of serenity.
Cost: Entry to the World Peace Pagoda is free.
Transport: One can reach the pagoda by taking a taxi (NPR 1200-1500 for a return trip from Lakeside, though prices can vary and are negotiable ), or a public bus from Prithvi Chowk for around NPR 100, taking about 30 minutes. An adventurous option involves crossing Phewa Lake by boat (approx. NPR 800 return for the boat, plus NPR 20 for a life jacket ), followed by a 20-30 minute uphill hike through a lush jungle.
3. Paragliding over Pokhara Valley
Soaring high above the Pokhara Valley offers an exhilarating perspective of the city, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna mountains. Pokhara is considered one of the top five tandem paragliding spots globally due to its favorable wind conditions and stable thermals. The experience provides a unique blend of adventure and breathtaking scenic beauty, with flights typically lasting around 25-30 minutes.
Cost: For foreigners, the cost is approximately NPR 8500. This price generally includes a tandem flight, pick-up service from the Lakeside area to the take-off point in Sarangkot, and often includes photos and videos of the experience.
Transport: Pick-up and drop-off services from hotels in the Lakeside area to the paragliding take-off point in Sarangkot are usually included in the package price.
4. Sarangkot Sunrise View & Cable Car
Witnessing the sunrise from Sarangkot is an iconic Pokhara experience, as the first rays of light illuminate the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges in a spectacular display of colors. A modern cable car provides easy and scenic access to this viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake during the ride. It is an ideal activity for all ages, seeking majestic mountain views without a strenuous hike.
Cost: A tour package that typically includes transportation and the two-way cable car ride to Sarangkot costs around $44 USD per person.
Transport: Access to Sarangkot is conveniently via the Annapurna Cable Car. Many tours offer early morning pick-ups from Lakeside hotels to catch the sunrise.
5. Explore Devi's Fall and Gupteshwor Cave
Devi's Fall is a unique waterfall where the Pardi Khola river disappears underground. Located just across the road, Gupteshwor Cave is a sacred Hindu cave, renowned for its stalactite and stalagmite formations, and where the water from Devi's Fall emerges. Exploring these two natural wonders provides insight into the geological features and local folklore of the area.
Cost: Entrance fee for Devi's Fall is NPR 100 for foreigners. Gupteshwor Cave also has a small entry fee.
Transport: These sites are located southwest of Pokhara Airport, approximately 2 kilometers away. They are easily reachable by taxi from the Lakeside area or by local bus. They are often visited together due to their close proximity.
6. Zip-lining (Zip Flyer)
Experience an incredible adrenaline rush on one of the world's steepest and fastest zip-lines in Pokhara. The Zip Flyer offers a thrilling ride with speeds reaching up to 140 km/h over a distance of 1,850 meters. As you soar through the air, you are treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the Seti River gorge, and the surrounding lush hills, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.
Cost: The Superman Zipline costs approximately NPR 8500 for foreigners, which typically includes transportation. Additional costs for photos and videos are usually around NPR 1500-1800.
Transport: Packages for the Zip Flyer usually include pick-up from the Lakeside area to the take-off point in Sarangkot.
7. Bungee Jumping
For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping in Pokhara offers a spectacular 101-meter freefall from a tower over the dramatic Seti Gorge. This heart-pounding experience is managed by trained professionals and provides stunning views of the surrounding hills and the majestic Himalayan range as you take the leap. It is Nepal's only tower bungee, ensuring a unique and memorable adventure.
Cost: A solo bungee jump costs approximately NPR 7500. This price typically includes the jump, photos, video, and convenient pick-up and drop-off services from hotels in the Lakeside area.
Transport: Pick-up and drop-off services from the Lakeside area to the bungee jump site are usually included in the package.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
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